Saudi Arabia: Current Issues and U.S. Relations
Abstract
Saudi Arabia, a monarchy ruled by the Saud dynasty, enjoys special importance in much of the international community because of its unique association with the Islamic religion and its oil wealth. Since the establishment of the modern Saudi kingdom in 1932, it has benefited from a stable political system based on a smooth process of succession to the throne and a prosperous economy dominated by the oil sector. Some commentators have suggested that growing internal pressures and regional tensions may have weakened the Saudi regime in recent years. The United States and Saudi Arabia have long-standing economic and defense ties. A series of informal agreements and military deployments have demonstrated a strong U.S. security commitment to Saudi Arabia. Bombing attacks against several U.S. and foreign operated installations in Saudi Arabia have raised some concerns about the security of U.S. personnel and what appears to be growing anti-Americanism in some segments of the Saudi population. Since the 9/11 attacks on the United some commentators have maintained that Saudi domestic and foreign policies have created a climate that may have contributed to terrorist acts by Islamic radicals. U.S. officials have generally cited Saudi support in the aftermath of the attacks, including increased intelligence sharing, law enforcement activities, and the tracking of terrorist financing. In its final report, released on July 23, 2004, the 9/11 Commission described Saudi Arabia as having been "a problematic ally in combating Islamic extremism," while noting that Saudi cooperation has improved, especially since further terrorist attacks in Saudi Arabia beginning in May 2003. The National Intelligence Reform Act (December 17, 2004) contains a requirement that the President submit to designated congressional committees a strategy for collaboration with Saudi Arabia, as part of a larger report on U.S. government activities to implement the provisions of this act.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 21, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA476820
Entities
People
- Alfred B. Prados
Organizations
- Library of Congress